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Experts to address moral development of children and teens

By Amy Gage
March 13, 2007

Two experts in the moral development and character education of children and adolescents, both psychology professors at the University of Notre Dame, will give public presentations at St. Olaf College this Wednesday and Thursday.

They also will conduct faculty workshops and visit classes over a three-day period.

NarvaezDarcia07
Narvaez
Darcia Narvaez, sister of St. Olaf Professor of Spanish Leon Narvaez and director of the Center for Ethical Education at Notre Dame, will speak on "Moral Engagement and Citizenship in a 'Multi-Polar' World" on Wednesday, March 14, at 3:30 p.m. in Holland Hall 501.

She has spoken at the White House and on "Court TV," and has given more than 150 public presentations around the world, including in China, Europe and Latin America.

"Developing an orientation toward moral engagement requires attention to evolved needs and proper care," says Dr. Narvaez of her presentation topic. "When needs are met, humans form morally prepared brains and more easily trust and empathize with others. When childcare or self-care is inadequate, brains are wired for defensive relationships -- thwarting bonding and peaceful relations."

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Lapsley
On Thursday, March 15, Professor of Psychology Daniel Lapsley will give a public address on "Citizenship in the Ethical Community." The talk will be at 7 p.m. in Viking Theater, lower level of Buntrock Commons.

Lapsley's research focuses on adolescent social cognitive and personality development, including college adjustment, invulnerability and risk behavior, narcissism, separation-individuation, and ego and identity development. He also studies the moral dimensions of personality and has written on moral identity and moral and character education.

He currently serves on the executive board of the international Association for Moral Education and on the editorial boards of the periodicals Child Development, Journal of Educational Psychology and the Journal of Early Adolescence.

The visit by Narvaez and her husband, Lapsley, is part of this year's academic theme at the college: Global Citizenship and the Liberal Arts.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.